Chapters

Are you looking to join your local Chapter?

Chapters are run by volunteer members like yourself! Though it varies, the majority of chapters focus on mass defense efforts like legal observing and providing “Know Your Rights” trainings, running jail support hotlines, and finding representation for protesters. Some chapters are a lot more active than others, and some have vibrant local committees outside of mass defense. Many times a chapter can be very active for a period and then become dormant for the next.  Our largest and most active chapters are our “Staffed Chapters” of NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Michigan, and Massachusetts.

If you would like to hear more about getting involved in a particular chapter as a member, reach out using the contact information listed below. If you do not hear back within a few days, email the National Membership Director at  membership@nlg.org

Interested in becoming more involved with the NLG but don’t have a chapter near you? Contact membership@nlg.org to learn about starting a chapter in your area!


Are you looking for Mass Defense support?

If you’d like to request Legal Observers® (LOs) for an action or learn about other forms of social movement mass defense support, scroll down to reach out to your nearest NLG chapter! If you cannot get in contact or have any questions, you can email massdef@nlg.org to reach our Director of Mass Defense. However, each individual chapter dispatches their own LOs.

NOTE: Some local NLG chapters operate Legal Support Hotlines, which you can find below by clicking on a specific chapter. These hotlines are staffed by volunteers, and operate at the request of community members. If you’re planning an action with a high risk of arrest, contact your local NLG chapter ahead of time if you’d like to request Legal Observers® or other forms of demonstration support.

Pro Tip: It is a good idea to write the number on your body in permanent marker ahead of the demonstration.

Looking for even more mass defense resources?


All Current NLG Chapters

NLG Chapters are organized into regions. Click on a region below to see the local chapters and their contact information to connect to a chapter near you!


Northwest Region


Far West Region


Southwest Region

Primary Contact: southernarizona@nlg.org


Texoma Region


Southern Region

Primary Contact: David Gespass, pass.gandjlaw@gmail.com

Primary Contact: centralfl@nlg.org

Website: nlg.org/centralfl/

Primary Contact: northcarolina@nlg.org

Primary Contact: southflorida@nlg.org

Primary Contact: nlgtn@proton.me

 


Midwest Region

  • Primary Contact: chicago@nlg.org
  • If you or someone you know has been arrested and needs a lawyer to visit them in police custody, contact the Cook County Public Defender at (844) 817-4448.
    • If you or someone you know has been criminally charged and needs legal representation in court, call the NLG-Chicago at (773) 309-1198.
    • If you’re organizing an action and would like to request NLG Legal Observers, contact us at chicago.lo.program@gmail.com.
    • If you’re a licensed attorney in the state of IL and would like to volunteer with the chapter, please fill out this volunteer attorney form.
  • Website: www.nlgchicago.org
  • Social Media:


Mideast Region


Mid-Atlantic Region

  • Primary Contact: info@nlgphilly.org
  • For legal observer requests: NLGPhillyLO@nlgphilly.org
  • Social Media:


Northeast Region

  • Primary Contact: ConnecticutNLG@gmail.com
  • Statewide CT Legal Support Hotline: (203) 896-7221 for reporting arrests and police violence, providing jail support, and connecting people to resources for bond. The Connecticut Chapter is not providing legal advice or connecting people to defense attorneys at this time.
  • Social Media: